The World of Aviation

Lockheed Martin has replaced the head of its aeronautics division in what is widely seen as a bid to improve frayed relations with the Pentagon over the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The defence giant named Orlando Carvalho, 54, as executive vice president of aeronautics, replacing Larry Lawson. Carvalho, who had previously been in charge of

Boeing’s 737 production has ticked over to a higher rate of 38 aircraft per month as the plane maker ramps up to produce 42 of the airliners per month by next year. Citing a healthy backlog and strong demand, Boeing has flagged plans to increase production of several of its models, including the 737, 777

Indonesian budget carrier Lion Air has made another massive aircraft purchase, ordering 234 A320 Family aircraft from Airbus. The deal, valued at A$23.1 billion at list prices, comes a little more than a year after Lion Air ordered 230 Boeing 737s. The carrier currently operates a fleet of 92 aircraft, almost all from Boeing. The

Virgin’a Australia’s acquisition of Skywest Airlines has been approved by the Foreign Investment Review Board, clearing another hurdle for the deal to go forward. Skywest shareholders last week approved the deal, which would see Virgin purchase 100 per cent of Skywest’s issued share capital. Under the agreement, Skywest would become a part of the Virgin

Lufthansa has been re-confirmed as Airbus’s largest customer following the airline’s order for 100 A320-family aircraft and two more A380s. Worth an estimated US$11.2 billion, the order comprises 35 A320neo and 35 A321neo aircraft, and 30 A320 current model aircraft fitted with sharklets.  The two additional A380s will join 10 A380s already in service with

In what is a stark departure from recent history, Swiss International Air Lines has selected the 777-300ER for its long haul fleet renewal program, breaking its all-Airbus traditions. The last Boeing type operated by Swiss was the 747. Boeing announced a commitment for six 777-300ERs valued at US$1.9 billion. No dates have been released on